A forgotten inner-city jewel is rediscovered and brought to life through redevelopment. By improving connections with the water and respecting the important heritage features of the site, this park has become a beloved go-to summer hangout for locals.
Judges Bay is located at the bottom of the Parnell Rose Gardens and is named after three of the magistrates of the early colony who built their houses there. The modification of Judges Bay and the surrounding coastline began as early as the 1860's, with the most dramatic change to the bay occurring with the construction of the Tamaki Drive concourse in the 1920's.This not only resulted in Judges Bay becoming a tidal lagoon, but saw the removal of a headland.
In 2011, the Taurarua Judges Bay Replenishment Project began. This represented the rediscovery of an Auckland inner-city jewel as a vibrant public recreational park which proudly preserves and celebrates the rich and varied cultural history and heritage of the area.
Key outcomes of the project included:
- the formation of large-scale connections working with the existing contours to minimise excavation
- using stormwater treatment to cleanse and reveal
- creating a central bayside plaza
- introducing opportunities for healthy activities by opening up engagement with the water
- providing seating for events
- relocating changing facilities to a central location.
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